Hi there, first time poster but hardly new to the hardware scene.
I'm looking for a new base model for our enterprise to replace our current HP Probook 6560 & 6360 setups. I liked those models, they offer a sturdy design and hardware that remains potent for ~3y with solid warranty. Only looking for a 13-14" model now, not 15".
As it's been 2y since we bought these models, I'd like to find more performance at the same price point (600-800€ ~ 900USD ~ 600GBP).
Unfortunately, I only see a slightly better CPU in HP's new business lineup at this price point. The CPU wasn't the bottleneck, it can remain a gen2 i5. I'd at least expect more RAM (old 4GB -> 6 or 8GB) and a (cache) SSD. The only solid addition is USB3, hardly worth it for us - when enterprise IT is moving towards cloud storage.
Alternatives:
HP Probook 6470b - i5 3210 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - W7/8 Pro -> too expensive: ~970€
HP Envy 4 1100sb - i5 3317 - 8b ram - 32GB SSD + 500GB - W8 -> No Windows Pro = excluded. Great pricing though ~640€
Dell Ultrabk XPS13 - i5 3437 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - Win8 Pro -> Still too expensive ~900€
Lenovo Thinkp T430u - i5 3317 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - Win7 Pro -> Barely in price: ~790€, low ram, no win8 pro
Lenovo Thinkp E530 - i3 3110 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - Win 7/8 Pro -> Price OK ~600€, low cpu, low ram
I can find separate 128GB SSDs for 90€, it's outrageous they're trying to have us shell out 270€ more when the only other benefit is a gen3 core i5 in stead of a gen2.
We'd rather not install SSDs ourselves to remain in extended warranty coverage.
These are used in a broadcasting services enterprise, by engineers, sales, planning, ... Various profiles, of which some need to run pro A/V software. No rendering though, so we won't need workstation class performance.
So, for tl:dr:
My ideal laptop would be a gen3 i5, 8GB ram, 128GB SSD, W7/8 Pro (driver support for both), sturdy, solid support for around 700€ - 900USD - 600GBP.
Extra points for VGA+HDMI, rs232 port, cardreader, 3x usb3.
I'm looking for a new base model for our enterprise to replace our current HP Probook 6560 & 6360 setups. I liked those models, they offer a sturdy design and hardware that remains potent for ~3y with solid warranty. Only looking for a 13-14" model now, not 15".
As it's been 2y since we bought these models, I'd like to find more performance at the same price point (600-800€ ~ 900USD ~ 600GBP).
Unfortunately, I only see a slightly better CPU in HP's new business lineup at this price point. The CPU wasn't the bottleneck, it can remain a gen2 i5. I'd at least expect more RAM (old 4GB -> 6 or 8GB) and a (cache) SSD. The only solid addition is USB3, hardly worth it for us - when enterprise IT is moving towards cloud storage.
Alternatives:
HP Probook 6470b - i5 3210 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - W7/8 Pro -> too expensive: ~970€
HP Envy 4 1100sb - i5 3317 - 8b ram - 32GB SSD + 500GB - W8 -> No Windows Pro = excluded. Great pricing though ~640€
Dell Ultrabk XPS13 - i5 3437 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - Win8 Pro -> Still too expensive ~900€
Lenovo Thinkp T430u - i5 3317 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - Win7 Pro -> Barely in price: ~790€, low ram, no win8 pro
Lenovo Thinkp E530 - i3 3110 - 4gb ram - 128GB SSD - Win 7/8 Pro -> Price OK ~600€, low cpu, low ram
I can find separate 128GB SSDs for 90€, it's outrageous they're trying to have us shell out 270€ more when the only other benefit is a gen3 core i5 in stead of a gen2.
We'd rather not install SSDs ourselves to remain in extended warranty coverage.
These are used in a broadcasting services enterprise, by engineers, sales, planning, ... Various profiles, of which some need to run pro A/V software. No rendering though, so we won't need workstation class performance.
So, for tl:dr:
My ideal laptop would be a gen3 i5, 8GB ram, 128GB SSD, W7/8 Pro (driver support for both), sturdy, solid support for around 700€ - 900USD - 600GBP.
Extra points for VGA+HDMI, rs232 port, cardreader, 3x usb3.
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